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Spring 2011 Kids' Next List

“Fans of The Godfather will delight in the clever story of Mac, the middle-school 'fixer,' and his posse of 'business associates,' who meet each day in the east wing boys' bathroom to solve their classmates' problems. Solve for a fee, of course, or a favor to be requested at a later date. All is well in Mac's world until Fred enters the fourth stall from the window -- Mac's office -- asking for protection from the infamous Staples. Can Mac solve his biggest problem, yet keep his lucrative business and his friendships intact? This is a book 'that you can not refuse!'”
— Lori-Jo Scott, Island Bookstore, Kitty Hawk, NC

Description

The humor of Diary of a Wimpy Kid meets a Godfather-like tale of crime and betrayal in this first book in Chris Rylander's The Fourth Stall Saga.

Do you need something? Mac can get it for you. He and his best friend and business manager, Vince. Their methods might sometimes run afoul of the law, or at least the school code of conduct, but if you have a problem, if no one else can help, and if you can pay him, Mac is on your side. His office is located in the East Wing boy's bathroom, fourth stall from the high window. And business is booming. Or at least it was, until this particular Monday. Because this Monday is when Mac and Vince find out that the trouble with solving everyone else's problems is there's no one left to solve yours.

The school setting; fast-paced, cinematic, and funny story; and engaging voice make The Fourth Stall a perfect classroom read.

Supports the Common Core State Standards

About the Author

Chris Rylander is the author of the Codename Conspiracy series and the Fourth Stall saga. A fan of chocolate, chips, and chocolate chips, he lives in Chicago. You can visit him online at www.chrisrylander.com.

Praise For…

Here is an original-a story that really gets how guys are pals. It’s also funny, mysterious, and true to the heart of what really matters when you are in middle school. Do yourself a favor. Read it. Now.— Jon Scieszka, author of the Time Warp Trio series

Debut novelist Rylander mines a substantial amount of humor and heart from this combination hard-boiled crime novel and middle-grade character piece. A light and enjoyable caper.— Publishers Weekly

Draws in even the most apprehensive young reader… A robust story rich in action, adventure, humor, and friendship.— Voice of Youth Advocates (VOYA)

Mac narrates the tale with the arch flatness of a 1940s satire of the noir detective genre…Excellent.— ALA Booklist